An analysis of turmeric utilisation pattern in Ekiti state, Nigeria

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is valued for its underground orange coloured rhizome which is used as natural colouring agent for food, cosmetics and dye. Turmeric is also used as an herbal medicine in the treatment of ulcers and liver disorders amongst others. The increasing demand for natural products as food additives makes turmeric an ideal food colorant. It is against this background that the study to analyse the utilisation pattern of turmeric in Ekiti State was carried out. Data were obtained from two villages in Ekiti state due to their prominence in the usage of this particular spice. Sixty (60) respondents were randomly sampled and well structured questionnaires were administered. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. Results revealed that more women (76.7%) than men utilised turmeric in Ekiti state and 48.3% were elderly respondents; 68.3% were married, 93.3% were Christians and half of the respondents (50%) were illiterates. Half of the respondents (50%) used turmeric for its dye inherent properties, 68.3% indicated the benefit inherent in turmeric utilization as economic, nutritional and medicinal respectively. Thirty three percent of the respondents use turmeric once in a month.